[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 161 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. JOHN E. BAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2010

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John 
``Jack'' E. Bair, a proud veteran, father, grandfather, and great-
grandfather who passed away on November 17th, 2010.
  Mr. Bair was born on May 9th, 1928 in Ripley Township, Minnesota. He 
was the youngest of Basil E. Bair and Lela Beth Bunnell's four 
children. Jack joined the United States Army in 1943, serving our 
country for 31 years and eventually retiring in 1974 as a Chief Warrant 
Officer Four. For his service to his country, Chief Bair was awarded 
the WWII Victory Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the 
Korean War Service Medal. He played a critical role training his fellow 
soldiers in the deployment of the National Air Defense Systems as well 
as the implementation of the Nike and Hercules missile systems.
  During the course of his life Mr. Bair lived and served in South 
Korea, the South Pacific, Turkey, Alaska, Colorado, California, 
Alabama, and Minnesota. After his retirement from the Army, Jack 
settled with his family in Ashland, Oregon and eventually moved to his 
home in Cibolo, Texas. Jack was an avid reader and a feared billiards 
and cribbage opponent. He excelled in hunting, fishing, water skiing, 
bowling and pinochle.
  Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mardell Rae Bair, his 
daughter Genie Jones and her husband Mike, his daughter LeyAnn Pyne and 
her husband Kevin, his son John T. Bair and his wife Amy, his daughter-
in-law Dawn Bair, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
He happily joins his brothers, Eugene and Robert Bair, as well as his 
sons, Daniel and Jason Bair.
  Jack Bair lived a life of honor and service to both his country and 
family. He passed on the importance of hard work and doing things right 
the first time to all those he met. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow 
members to join me in honoring the life of John E. Bair and the lasting 
legacy he leaves behind.

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